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Unbeaten Never Talk hoping wet conditions under foot will continue

3 minute read

Forecast rain in Melbourne today if it eventuates will be music to Kris Lees’ ears.

NEVER TALK
NEVER TALK  Picture: Martin King / Sportpix

The leading Newcastle trainer sent Never Talk , unbeaten in two starts on heavy tracks, south last weekend for an important assignment at tomorrow's Caulfield Cup meeting.

Craig Williams will ride the mare in the Listed Alinghi Stakes (1100m), and Lees is banking on the weather forecast proving correct to further soften the Caulfield track, which at 9 am was rated a "Soft 5".

"Never Talk needs the wet ground to produce her best," Lees said this morning.

"She is going better than her two runs in Sydney this time in work might indicate."

Provided Never Talk gets conditions to suit tomorrow and performs well, she could remain in Melbourne for another race during the Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington.

Williams was narrowly beaten on Sydney mare Fituese by another Sydney mare California Zimbol in last year's Alinghi, which was also held on soft ground.

. Lees has metropolitan runners in three states tomorrow, including five acceptors for the Eagle Farm fixture. The track was rated a "Soft 5" this morning.

His Brisbane team comprises Ciccina (1500m Class 3 Handicap), Frozen In Time (1200m F&M Benchmark 75 Handicap), Animate (1600m Open Handicap), Tavisan (1200m Open Quality Handicap), and Cristal Breeze (1400m Class 6 Handicap).

Lees' Queensland jockey Andrew Mallyon partners Frozen In Time, Animate, Tavisan and Cristal Breeze, whilst Jim Byrne has the mount on Ciccina.

These are his thoughts on his Eagle Farm runners:

CICCINA: "A lightly-raced daughter of Savabeel who is going well, having won her last two starts at Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast. She is a nice mare stepping up to city grade, and I'm expecting a good performance from her."

FROZEN IN TIME: "Not certain I will run her with 60kg and from the outside barrier."

ANIMATE: "Nothing went right for him at Doomben last time when fourth after winning there 15 days earlier over the same distance (1350m). Perhaps some query at the 1600m, but is fit and should run well."

TAVISAN: "Can improve on his last two defeats over 900m and 1050m going up to a more suitable 1200m."

CRISTAL BREEZE: "Awkwardly drawn, but two scratchings have helped, reducing the field to eight runners. Good in wet conditions, and fitter for two runs back. The 1400m on the big track will suit."


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